RICHMOND, Ky. – Stetson's five-game ASUN win streak was snapped as two teams at the top of the conference standings faced off with Eastern Kentucky taking an 85-70 win over the Hatters Saturday night in Baptist Health Arena.
Stetson (10-7, 5-1 ASUN) return home after splitting the results in a two-game road trip. Eastern Kentucky (12-7, 5-1 ASUN) got its first win over the Hatters in the series history.
The home team launched in stride as EKU roared out of the gates scoring 20 points in the first five minutes 15 seconds of the game forcing the Hatters to try to play catch-up the remainder of the first half. While Stetson had what would normally be a fairly good half, 30 points, it was overshadowed by 48 from the home team.
In a difficult spot, the Hatters fought back in the second as
Wheza Panzo opened the second-half scoring with a three on a fastbreak. The teams answered each other's moves following that with the Hatters eventually closing the gap to 12, 57-45, after a three from
Sam Peek at the 12:44 mark, but that is as close as Stetson would come eventually falling by a score of 85-70.
Panzo paced the Hatters' scoring with 14 points, 12 coming from behind the arc coupled with 2-of-2 from the foul line.
Josh Smith joined him in double figures with 10 points and a team-high five rebounds, his sixth consecutive game with that distinction.
Cyncier Harrison notched five assists off the bench.
The Hatters return to DeLand for a pivotal Thursday night matchup. Four teams sit atop the ASUN with a 5-1 record, two of them play in the Edmunds Center at 7 p.m. as Stetson faces Kennesaw State. In recognition of 200 wins, head coach
Donnie Jones will be honored prior to the contest with a short ceremony.
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS (PDF).
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